Australian flower growers are concerned about the high volume of imports and the biosecurity risks they bring, and said consumers deserve to know where flowers are grown.
Each year, Australia imports millions of flower stems — mainly roses, chrysanthemums and carnations — from countries such as Kenya, Ecuador, Colombia and Malaysia.
Those imports are sold everywhere from supermarkets to florists and petrol stations.
National farm lobby groups and many growers are concerned about the number of flowers found with foreign pests and diseases when they arrive in Australia.
63 per cent of flowers imported from just one source country arrived carrying foreign pests and diseases.
Between 19 and 41 per cent of imports from three other destinations had similar problems.
The international trade, however, has forced smaller growers out of the industry.
The pests and diseases that arrive in Australia could risk Australian crops bees and other pollinators.
Mr Russo claims the Federal Government has caved to the lobbying power of cashed-up importers who "think they're above the law”.
On this petition we have over 270000 signatures urging the Government to ban imported honey or in the least make country of origin compulsory on honey labels. Australian consumers and producers are being ignored by a corrupt government.
http://change.org/honeylabelling